Five Things You Should Know About The Late Sultan Abdul Halim Of Kedah

While Malaysia mourns the death of Sultan Abdul Halim, here are five things you should know about the late Sultan:

1) He's the only Sultan to reign as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong twice

Tuanku Abdul Halim was elected as the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 21 September 1970. His second election as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong came in December 2011, making him the only Sultan to hold the position twice.

2) He was the third youngest and also the oldest to be installed as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong

The first time Tuanku Abdul Halim was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he was the third youngest monarch to ascend to the throne, right after Tuanku Syed Putra of Perlis and Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu. When he was elected the second time, he became the oldest ruler to be installed as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, at the age of 84.

3) He was the nephew of Malaysia's first Prime Minister

Tunku Abdul Rahman stepped down of his role as Prime Minister after Tuanku Abdul Halim was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Due to strict royal protocol, Tunku Abdul Rahman felt that he should not serve under his nephew. However, Tunku Abdul Rahman agreed to serve as Prime Minister for one day of Tuanku Abdul Halim's reign as the Agong.

4) He was the second longest-reigning living monarch in the world

Before his passing, Tuanku Abdul Halim was officially recorded as the second longest-reigning living monarch in the world, serving for 59 years and 58 days. The longest-reigning monarch in the world? UK's Queen Elizabeth II, who has been reigning for 65 years, 217 days and counting.

5) He was one of only five Kedah Sultan to celebrate the Golden Jubilee

Tuanku Abdul Halim celebrated his Golden Jubilee as the Sultan of Kedah on 15 July 2008. He was only the fourth Kedah Sultan to have celebrated 50 years of reign in the state.